High Blood Pressure

Nearly 1 in 3 American Adults have high blood pressure (hbp). This pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. A person’s pressure rises and falls throughout the day, but when it stays elevated over time, it is hypertension. It is a cause for concern because it increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses.

Symptoms of Hypertension (HBP)

High blood pressure has no obvious signs or symptoms. It is often called “the silent killer,” and a blood pressure measurement is the only way to detect it. A blood pressure monitor is all a doctor or nurse needs to check your pressure.

Blood Pressure Guidelines

Good = 120/80 mmHg or lower

Borderline High Risk = 120/80-139/89 mmHg

High Risk = 140/90 mmHg or higher

Treating High Blood Pressure with Medications

Many of the drugs used to control hypertension are called antihypertensives. Common antihypertensives are:

Diuretics, which rid the body of excess fluid and salt

Beta blockers, which decrease the heart’s need for blood and oxygen, easing its workload

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a nonmedical way to fight high blood pressure. A clinical study that tested the effects of nutrients in food on the bood pressure found that elevated blood pressure was reduced in people who followed an eating plan that emphasized fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods. A second clinical study, called DASH-Sodium, found that reducing dietary sodium lowered blood pressure in both people who followed the DASH eating plan and those who ate a typical American diet.